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This is an example of the 1936 pattern Royal Air Force service coat. This particular coat was worn by an unknown member of one of the American Eagle Squadrons. Before the United States entered World War II, many Americans volunteered for service in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). About 15,000 Americans served in British and Canadian units, but the core of 244 American pilots served in the RAF’s 71, 121, and 133 Squadrons, which came to be known as the Eagle Squadrons.

The Eagle Squadrons were officially disbanded from the Royal Air Force on September 29, 1942. The 71, 121, and 133 Squadrons were incorporated into the U.S. Army Air Forces’ Fourth Fighter Group as the 334th, 335th, and 336th Fighter Squadrons.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United Kingdom Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Uniforms: Military Physical Description Royal Air Force (RAF) blue wool service coat; single breasted with drop fall collar; two upper pockets with box pleats and button flap; two lower flap pockets; four brass buttons down fron with embossed letter text "R.A.F." and eagle surmounted by a Tudor (King's Crown); embroidered pilot's badge over left breat pocket; light blue embroidered Eagle Squadron insignia on each arm; Pilot Officer rank insignia on each cuff. Dimensions Clothing: 81.3 x 76.2 x 3.2cm (32 x 30 x 1 1/4 in.)
 Materials Overall: Wool
 Inventory Number A19950805000 Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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